Ashton scored 62 goals in 131 league starts for Crewe

West Ham striker Dean Ashton has made a return visit to former club Crewe to pay tribute to the Alex academy.

Ashton, who has one cap for England, made his debut for the Alex at the age of 16 before leaving to join Norwich City for �3m in 2005.

Crewe first-team coach Steve Holland told BBC Radio Stoke: "He brought in a picture of himself playing for Crewe and one in his England kit.

"It was a nice touch. That's what Crewe is all about. It was good to see him."

Ashton is one of a string of players who have progressed through the Crewe youth set-up and gone on to play at the highest level.

The 24-year-old spent a year with the Canaries before moving to Upton Park for �7.25m in January 2006.

Meanwhile, Crewe have offered a new contract to striker Tom Pope, whose current deal expires in the summer.

"He's done really well and I think we've done a good job improving him," said Holland.

"There's still some work to do if he is to become the player he is capable of being, but he is now at a level where he will have a big part to play in our season."

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